When you’re managing physicians’ credential file, there’s a lot of documents, dates, and tasks to keep track of...even for just ONE file. Using a well thought out credentialing checklist will help keep you organized and preserve your sanity.
Let’s dive into 5 reasons why you should be using a credentialing checklist:
1. You will save time.
When credential managers don’t keep accounts of which documents have been collected for each file, they frequently revisit the files to double-check. Recalling required documents versus those at hand can increase total credential management time by hours, especially when dealing with multiple physician files.
A credentialing checklist eliminates the need to remember the steps, allowing the credential manager to devote his or her time to actually fulfilling the tasks. It is a quick overview of information that usually takes longer to find in absence of a checklist. At a glance, you will be able to view the collection status of documents, latest expiration dates, and which step you are on for each physician file.
By using a credentialing checklist, you will cut credentialing time and complete tasks quicker without putting stress on your memory.
2. It lets you know what to not leave out.
Even highly skilled credential managers can forget key things and not realize it when relying on ineffective methods. It is difficult to remember which documents are missing without completely retracing the credential file contents. Luckily, a checklist does the retracing for you all on one sheet of paper.
Not only does the credentialing checklist save time, but it also assures the credential manager doesn’t skip any steps in the process. As an informational tool, it shows what is missing out of the required documents, or the “steps” that need to be completed in the credentialing workflow.
An incomplete or outdated file puts the facility in danger of hiring a physician who may not meet the requirements.
3. You will be more organized.
Credential managers who use a checklist are likely to stay organized throughout their workflow. By keeping all of your items to complete in one place, you eliminate handwritten lists and extraneous notes in the physician file.
Effective credentialing checklists can also help you organize the contents of the physician file. A properly organized credential file is divided into multiple sections for ease when retrieving information. The credential manager can follow the structure of checklist when he or she adds the gathered documents.
4. It is easier to share tasks.
Common in larger physician networks, credentialing duties are sometimes divided among several individuals. By breaking down the credentialing process into specific tasks and documents with a checklist, delegation of work becomes much easier with other authorized personnel.
The checklist can help you avoid overlapping efforts, giving you more confidence when sharing tasks. It prevents multiple individuals from contacting and aggravating a physician about the same document. As a result, the checklist enables effective teamwork that verbal delegation cannot control.
5. It encourages productivity.
Are you as productive as you could be when managing credential files? Adopting a credentialing checklist will prompt you to tackle repetitive tasks more quickly and efficiently.
Rather than the idea of collecting multiple documents, the checklist gives credential managers a starting point. Each unmarked checkbox represents a goal to accomplish and completing the checklist, a milestone to reach.
As you become organized and comfortable with delegating tasks, you will be able to refocus your energy in a more productive manner. Though credential management is repetitive, the credentialing checklist creates motivation and clarity in the process.
Looking for a helpful credentialing resource? Silversheet’s Credentialing Checklist is easy to use and free for download!
Here at Silversheet, we are dedicated to providing education and paperless solutions to credential managers. Find out how our software can increase your credentialing efficiency today!